21 July 2013: The World Bank has issued a call for comments on the concept note for its Forests and Trees in a Sustainable Landscape Action Plan covering the period from 2014 through 2016. Public comments will be accepted until 15 September 2013.

The concept note for the action plan builds on the 2002 forest strategy with a renewed focus on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and continued consistency with the World Bank’s objectives to alleviate poverty. In doing so, the action plan is not intended to replace the 2002 strategy, but rather to lay out a plan for further projects under World Bank lending instruments.

The action plan will go beyond forests to also include trees on farms and trees across rural landscapes. In adopting such a landscape approach, the action plan will consider the multiple values of forests and the ecosystem services they provide including for climate regulation, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods. The action plan also intends to ensure the engagement of local communities in the management of forests and trees. [World Bank Press Release] [Publication: World Bank Group Forests and Trees in Sustainable Landscapes Action Plan, FY14-16]